Carol Concert Programmes

There are still some Carol Concert Programs available to buy - these list the names of all the performers and would make a lovely souvenir of the evening's performance.

Anyone wishing to purchase a Program can do so, either at the Christmas Assemblies in school on Thursday 20th December, or from the School Reception, for 50p.

Email to admin@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk for further information.

Christmas Concert 2012

Congratulations to everyone involved in the fabulous concert at the Usher Hall.

S5/6 Prelim Timetable

Provisional S5/6 Prelim Timetable now available.

Ski Trip 2014

James Gillespie’s High School Ski Trip 2014
La Plagne, French Alps, France

We are excited to inform you that we have confirmed details for our next Ski Trip. 

Where:             La Plagne, French Alps.  France
When:              18th January 2014 – 25th January 2014
Who:               Current Primary 7, S1 and S2 students.
Cost:                £800
Deposit:           £100 (due by Thursday 31st January 2013)

This price includes flights, transfers, complete kit hire, full lift pass, full board accommodation, 4hrs ski tuition per day.  To minimise the cost we have been allowed to run the trip during term time. We are therefore limited to taking non certificate classes only.

If you are interested in hearing more about the trip before committing to a place we are holding a parents information evening on Wednesday 16th January 2013 at 7pm in the school library.

If your son/daughter is interested but you are unable to make this meeting please get in touch with us using the details below.

We look forward to seeing you in the new year,

Jill Pringle
Frank Carstairs

jill.pringle@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
francis.carstairs@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk

JGHS Carol Concert

JGHS CAROL CONCERT at the USHER HALL

Tuesday, 18^th December  7.30pm

All pupils are invited to attend this wonderful show and support anyone performing in this event.

Tickets are available from as little as £6.

Available from the Usher Hall website or box office

Come along and celebrate! 

JGHS Pupil selected for Australian Youth Olympic Games

Congratulations to Malcolm Winning on his selection to the 2013 Great Britain Squad for the Australian Youth Olympic Games. Being one of only four players selected the achievement is an incredible one that all at James Gillespie’s High are proud of Malcolm for!

Please check out http://www.basketball-scotland.com for an in-depth article and interview with Malcolm.

Congratulations again!

Duke of Edinburgh Scheme ambassadors

Beth Hegarty and Eilidh Paul volunteered to go to Parliament last Thursday. 

They represented Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for Scotland and spent the evening describing their DofE experiences to many MSP’s, senior members of Education Scotland and other representatives from other Award Organisations. 

Well done, girls! 

Ski success

JGHS ski teams enjoyed success at last weeks championships at Hillend:

Our Boys team; Ben D’Ulisse, Callum Harper, John Jones and Andy Gibb and our girls team; Ailsa Fox-Davies, Ellen Fox-Davies and Beth Heggarty both finished just out of the medals in 4^th place of their respective races. A great result considering this was the first time both teams had skied together!

Well done to all.

Council's draft budget consultation

Have your say on the Council's draft budget

The Council are looking for comments, ideas and suggestions on the Council's draft budget for the year ahead. They want to know what you think of the proposals and the impact it may have on your work, your family and community.

There's more information at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/budget or go direct to the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/GXM2CSN

You can also pick up a leaflet and survey from your local library or neighbourhood office.

So tell them what you think by Monday 7 January 2013.

December Newsletter Published

The December edition of the school Newsletter is now available.

Christmas Cards

The winning entries from our Christmas Card competition are now available to order.
All funds raised will support our South Africa Projects

Download your order form and return your order as soon as possible!

Concert, Cakes and Ceilidh

To support our DofE programme and Outdoor Education in the school.
 

Don’t miss the award winning voice of Mairi Campbell in concert followed by the foot stomping Auld Reekie Ceilidh Band starting at 7.30 on Fri 14^th Dec in JGHS.

There will be a multitude of cakes and BYOB but tea and coffee will be available.

 

 

Some of our wonderful DofE students will be running an active crèche for the concert hour.

Tickets are £8 for adults and £4 for pupils, and under 5s are free.

 

All proceeds are going towards Outdoor Education and Duke of Edinburgh programmes in the school.

John Byrne Award - JGHS Winners

Leanne Bell and Catriona MacDonald from James Gillespie's High School have won first prize at this year’s John Byrne Award for their entry of a play and painting.


Please visit the John Byrne Award site to read the full report.

Congratulations to Leanne and Catriona.

Usher Hall Concert

Don't forget to buy your Usher Hall Christmas Concert Tickets


Buy direct from the Usher Hall website or the box office.
 
Tickets are priced from £6 - £10.

Concert on Tuesday 18th December at 7.30pm

Director’s Award for Outstanding Achievement

At the recent Children and Families Awards the Active Schools Young Ambassador team who volunteered at the Paralympic Games won the Director’s Award for Outstanding Achievement.

This team included  Robbie Dougal and Haseeb Ibrahim from JGHS.

Well done to all!

Excursion Grant Policy

Details of the Excursion Grant Policy are now available on the Parents' page of the website.

Annual JGHS Wine Tasting

CHEERS

You are cordially invited to join us at the Annual JGHS Wine Tasting on

Thursday 15^th November

in the staffroom

7.30 – 11.00 pm

Sample 3 red / 3 white wines & accompanying nibbles

ALL FOR JUST £10 !

Tickets available from council@jghs.org.uk

October/November 2012 Newsletter

October/November 2012 Newsletter published

Scottish Schools Fencing Championships

A huge congratulations to Jamie Heywood who was victorious at this year’s Scottish Schools Fencing Championships. The victory was no easy task as Jamie had to stave off competition from 25 other fencers. 

The achievement is especially significant as not only has the award been won by future British Champions and Commonwealth Medallists, but both of Jamie’s coaches previously won the award! 

Congratulations again to Jamie, a wonderful achievement!

London 2012 Beach Volleyball Athlete Shauna Mullin Visits JGHS

Our Active Schools Volleyball club, coached by Mr. Carstairs, were delighted to welcome London 2012 star Shauna Mullin to JGHS last Thursday. Shauna was delighted to see the enthusiasm of our club members while recounting her experiences from this summer’s games. She was also grilled on her early volleyball experiences and what helped her reach the level at which she now competes. The group were then treated to a session in which Shauna passed on her knowledge of the spike before joining in with some games. We hope the visit will have inspired some of our club members to continue enjoying their volleyball or perhaps progress to a higher level.


Below is a link to the story on the Scottish Volleyball Association Website;

http://www.scottishvolleyball.org/news/2012-11-02-giving-back-gb-athlete-shauna-mullin

PE Valuables - Important Reminder to all pupils

All pupils are reminded that they are responsible for handing all valuables into the box during PE lessons - the school is NOT responsible for anything left in the changing rooms.

Reminder notices are posted in all PE changing areas

S4 Prelims

S4 Prelim Timetable is now available.

Edinburgh and Midlothian Schools Swimming Championships

Edinburgh and Midlothian Schools Swimming Championships – Ainslie Park Leisure Centre

Huge congratulations to all pupils who represented the school, and themselves, superbly at Sunday’s Championships.

Below is a breakdown of our fantastic results, some of which qualify our pupils for the upcoming Scottish Championships.

Congratulations!

George Clough                        Gold (200m Breast)                Gold (200m IM)

Jeremy Scott                           Silver (100m Free)                  Silver (200m Free)     

Both of Jeremy’s times were exceptional and he was only just beaten by an older aged competitor.

Benjo Duheric                         Silver (200m Fly)                    Silver (100m Fly)

Hana Duheric                          Silver (200m Fly)                     Bronze (100m Fly)

Cara Elliot                               5th (100m Free)                      5th (200m IM)

Flavia Forbes                           5th (200m Free)                      8th (200m IM)

In the 200m Free Flavia placed 2nd of the S1 age swimmers.

Kitty Slater                              11th (100m Free)                    13th (200m Free)

A special mention to our Girls Relay Team, despite having to swim in the open age category (due to the girls being from different age groups) they came 4th, missing out on a bronze medal by 0.3 seconds.  Flavia, as the youngest swimmer, did particularly well.

Congratulations again!

Discovery Youth Screen Award

Congratulations go to the following S4 media students who won the Discovery Youth Screen Award in Dundee. This is the second award their short film 'Evanessence' has won this year.

Max McLachlan
Samanatha Harrison
Ruairidh Graham
Lucy Gogoliuk

Grants4Schools

Grants 4 Schools is the most comprehensive and up to date funding information service available to UK primary and secondary schools. Updated on a daily basis, Grants 4 Schools informs you about grant funding opportunities from the European Union, UK Government Agencies, the Lottery as well as Grant Making Trusts & Foundations.

Anyone; staff or students, who are looking for funding for example;

• South Africa Trip
• Gap Years
• Help with Duke of Edinburgh (trips or equipment)
• Hardship funding for school trips which enrich your school experience
• Sports equipment grants etc etc

You need to go to the website www.grants4schools.info

You can get your login details by asking your Support for Pupils teacher.

This information will be available on

• the school website
• shared folder
• Plasma TV screens in school
• Parents forum network
• Next years school planners

Hope you find this useful
Elayn O'Neil   SfP

School Photographs

Dear Parent/Guardian

School Photographs

Following requests from a number of parents we will be offering school photographs to pupils in S1, 4 and 6 on Wednesday 31 October.

We have arranged with Tempest Photography to photograph pupils in S1, S4 and S6. In addition to photographs of individuals, there will also be a group photograph of the entire S6. Some pupils may wish to dress more formally for their photograph.

Pupils in years 1, 4 and 6 who wish to be photographed with siblings who are currently at James Gillespie’s High School should write a note to Mrs Croll by Friday 26 October.   Depending on demand these photographs may require to take place on a future arranged date.

An opportunity for other group photographs, e.g. Basketball, Chess, etc, will be offered later in the session.

Proofs of the individual photographs will be handed out, along with details of how to order and prices for each photographic package available, on Thursday 1 November at registration for S1 and S4.

The S6 will receive their proofs and order forms at PSE on Wednesday 14 November to allow time for printing of the whole year photograph. This will be displayed on the S6 notice board in the foyer to allow each pupil to make a decision on purchasing this as well as individual photographs.

We would hope to take the S6 photograph on the quad steps with the clock tower in the background as a memento of their years in the current school before the start of our new school construction. This is dependent on the weather!

The arrangements for the day will be overseen my Mrs Croll (Acting DHT).

Yours sincerely,

Janis Croll (Acting DHT) 

[Click here to download the letter]                                                                                                      

Decant Information Evening Notes

Decant Information Evening Notes

Usher Hall Carol Concert

USHER HALL CAROL CONCERT – TICKETS GO ON SALE!!

Tickets for this spectacular concert will go on sale from Monday 22nd October, direct from the Usher Hall website or the box office.
 
Tickets are priced from £6 - £10.

Concert on Tuesday 18th December at 7.30pm

Enjoy a fabulous end-of-year concert with performers from schools in the city: James Gillespie’s High and associated primaries of James Gillespie’s, Sciennes, Tollcross, Preston Street and Royal Mile. There will be a wide range of music played and enjoyed during the evening including classical repertoire and ensembles, traditional Scottish music - such as the marvellous school pipe band, clarsach ensemble, accordions and Gaelic choir- as well as some rock and pop, and this wonderful evening is set to end with an impressive 400-strong choir finale! Hear what musical talent our city has to be proud of in this collaborative concert.

Click to download flyer.

RHIS examination in Elementary Food Hygiene

Congratulations to the following S3 & S5 pupils, who have passed the RHIS examination in Elementary Food Hygiene -

S5
Saba Shafiq
Rachel Paton
Willow Banks
Brandon Blair
Fiona Wort
Ruary Mitchell

S3
Forida Begum
Eva McLaren
Chloe Barron
Sameeha Iqbal
Amy Morrison
Rosa Tonks
Sophie Howden
Ryan Massey
Valerie Jimenez
Isla Pantoon
Ellis Shand
Namra Rizwan

The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) The REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate, is ideal for anyone involved in catering including 'high risk' areas (e.g nurseries and care homes), food retailing, food processing and other activities where a sound knowledge of food hygiene is necessary.

BUPA Great Edinburgh Run

At least two JGHS pupils were competing in BUPA Great Edinburgh Run:

Paul Ireland came 7th in the junior 2 1/2k run

and

Patrick Keith came 23rd in the senior 5k run

Congratulations to both, and to anyone else who took part from JGHS.   (Let me know who you are and you can be added to the Role of honour).

SQA New Qualifications

SQA Presentation to S1-S3 parents on New Qualifications

John Byrne Award 2012

Information about the John Byrne Award 2012

Diversecity 2013

Due to the schools decant preparations for our new build, our annual school celebration of the diversity that exists amongst us “Diversecity” has been moved from June to March.  

The show will run on Fri 15 March & Sat 16 March, with tickets being put on sale week beginning Mon 11 March.  Those who have had long connections to the school will remember when the show ran in this time slot and will have every confidence in the students rising to the challenge as always.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Foster Me Appeal

October 2012 campaign information

SQA Qualifications Meeting

The Parent Council invites parents of pupils in S1, S2 and S3 to a Qualification information evening on Monday 1 October from 7 – 8 pm in the school Assembly Hall.

JGHS FPs in Afghanistan

Yesterday, with a lot of media coverage, soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (The Royal Scots Borderers) left for a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Two of the soldiers are former pupils of JGHS. They will be in Afghanistan till, probably, next April.

JGHS New School : Decant Update Sept 2012

Newsletter with updates about the New School and Decant arrangements.

JGHS P7 Open Evening

Letter to parents

S6 Guide

Guide for pupils undertaking S6

Communications with Parents

A brief guide to how comminications between school and families should take place.

Paralympic Volunteers, Robbie Dougal and Haseeb Ibrahim

Congratulations to our two Paralympic Volunteers, Robbie Dougal and Haseeb Ibrahim!
Both are currently having the experience of a lifetime volunteering with a group of Young Sporting Ambassadors on the Sitting Volleyball event at this year’s games. The boys have worked tirelessly this past year to make it to the games and deserve great praise for their attitude and commitment throughout.
If you would like to watch the group in action you can view their previous games from Saturday and Sunday morning of the Paralympics You Tube Channel; http://www.youtube.com/user/ParalympicSportTV/videos?query=volleyball
Watch out for them on TV this Wednesday and Thursday morning and for the final on Saturday!

Keiran Cantley accepted into Scottish Golf Academy

Keiran Cantley S4 has been accepted into the Scottish Golf Academy on their elite programme for 5 years. This programme aims to develop participants’ ability in the hope that they then turn professional.
Fantastically well done to Keiran, and good luck for the future.

Thomas Day-Lewis and Paul Ireland : Young Athletics Final winners

Thomas Day-Lewis and Paul Ireland won the Young Athletics Final this weekend in Manchester.
Congratulations!

Music Department Programme 2012-13

Letter to parents giving details of all the many musical opportunities available this session and dates and venues for the various musical performances to be held.

Extra Curricular Clubs

Active Schools Extra Curricular Clubs will this term run Monday 27th August – Friday 7th December.
All sports membership subscriptions are due by Friday 14th September.
Full information about what clubs are available, and when, on our Extra Curricular Page.

Adult Education Program - Autumn 2012

Course details now available.

Staffing update

Whilst Mrs Graham is absent, Ms Glass has been appointed as the Guidance teacher for Classes 3 and 4 in Raeburn house. All Guidance related queries for pupils in Raeburn 3 and 4 should be directed to Ms Glass.

Paul Ireland : Scottish U14 800m champion

Paul Ireland (S2) became Scottish U14 800m champion on Saturday (25th August) at the National Age Group Finals in Grangemouth in a time of 2:12:58.

Beginners Gaelic Course

Learn Scottish Gaelic in a fun, effective way.

Course Information.     Dates for course at JGHS.

Course poster in English, or Gaelic